Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-17

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.0)

Some say that currently the primary environmental problem is due to loss of specific plants and animals' species. Meanwhile, many argue that there are other problems to be enlightened. I believe that other problems like air polution and traffic congestion are causing deterimental effects on our environment.

On the one hand, plants and animals have a positive impact on our society. This is due to the fact that more greenery promotes fresh air and with the help of particular flies the pollination of plants continue. As a consequence, they both keep the circle of life going which then protects us from many environmental problems like lack of oxygen and excess of carbondioxide. For instance, deforestation contributes to decline in planet's greenery and habitat of many animals that leads to deprivation of fresh air and growth of plants. Although particular plants and animals are essential to prevent from various environmental problems, I believe that other problems like global warming is the major reason that is negatively affecting our environment.

On the other hand, air polution and traffic congestion are the major contributing factor. The primary reason for that is nowadays traffic is increasing at accelerating pace, consequently causing harmful gases emission and air polluiton. As a result, these harmful gases are adversely affecting our environment by destroying planet's atmosphere. For example, global warming is causing depletion of ozone layer that protects our environment from harmful rays of sun. I believe this school of thought is preferable as these are the major causes to be highlighted so that authorities can control further deterioration of our environment.

In conclusion, plants and animals are vital for our environmental health; however, I believe that the world is facing other major issues with polution of air due to increase in number of motor vehicles.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that the loss of plant and animal species is the main environmental problem, and that other issues are more significant—while also presenting a clear personal opinion. The writer establishes a clear position from the introduction and maintains it throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported, such as mentioning the role of flora and fauna in pollination and the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance, and contrasting this with global warming and air pollution. However, some arguments tend to over-generalise or remain slightly underdeveloped, such as the brief mention of traffic congestion and ozone depletion. These characteristics align well with a Band 6.5 to 7.0 descriptor, and a band score of 6.5 is awarded here due to some minor limitations in fully fleshing out every supporting example.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression throughout. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs exploring each side of the argument along with the writer's view, and a concluding paragraph. Cohesive devices are employed to connect ideas, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'As a consequence'. However, some cohesive links and referencing feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, such as the recurring use of 'I believe that other problems...'. Paragraph internal flow is generally easy to follow, but logical transitions could be smoother in places. These features fit solidly into the Band 6.0 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task and attempts less common lexical items such as 'deterimental effects', 'accelerating pace', and 'deterioration'. However, there are noticeable spelling and word choice errors throughout the response, including 'polution' instead of 'pollution', 'polluiton', 'carbondioxide' (one word), and 'deteremental' (spelled 'deterimental' in other places). Collocations are occasionally awkward, such as 'harmful gases emission'. Despite these errors, communication is rarely impeded, and the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning. This performance is consistent with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some variety in structure. For instance, the student successfully employs conditional or concessive clauses such as 'Although particular plants and animals are essential to prevent from various environmental problems, I believe that...'. However, there are several grammatical errors and punctuation issues, such as missing articles ('decline in planet's greenery'), incorrect prepositions ('prevent from various'), and subject-verb agreement slips ('pollination of plants continue'). While these errors are noticeable and recur throughout the text, they rarely impede communication. This balance of complex structures and frequent minor errors reflects a Band 6.0 score.

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